Xavi is presented to 10,000 adoring fans as Barcelona manager at the Nou Camp

Xavi battles to keep emotions in check as new Barcelona manager is presented to 10,000 adoring fans at the Nou Camp before vowing to restore the club to former glory

  • Xavi was presented to Barcelona fans as the club’s new manager for the first time
  • He addressed the 10,000 supporters inside the Nou Camp welcoming him home 
  • Club legend vowed to have incredibly high standards and never accept losing  


Xavi was officially presented to 10,000 adoring Barcelona fans at the Nou Camp on Monday afternoon and vowed to restore the club to its former glory. 

Fans waited with baited breath before the iconic former midfielder emerged from the tunnel into the sunshine on the pitch with president Joan Laporta. 

They waved their flags in unison and for a moment it seemed as though the 41-year-old was genuinely taken aback by the outpouring of support. 

Xavi was presented to supporters for the first time since taking over as Barcelona manager

Xavi was presented to supporters for the first time since taking over as Barcelona manager

There were thousands inside the Nou Camp to welcome Xavi home and he was taken aback

There were thousands inside the Nou Camp to welcome Xavi home and he was taken aback

‘I don’t want to get too emotional,’ he told them. ‘So I can just tell you one thing – we are the best club in the world. And we will work with the highest standards to have success. We cannot accept defeats or draws, we have to win every game.’ 

‘We are going to work to try and win many titles, thank you very much, this is an emotional moment for me.’

Xavi then proceeded to sign a contract on a table that had been set up on the turf while his family and friends watched on a few metres away. 

He then posed for pictures while holding up a Barcelona shirt with his name on the back. 

Xavi and Laporta spoke to the crowd and lapped up their acclaim with the manager's wife Nuria Cunillera beside him

Xavi and Laporta spoke to the crowd and lapped up their acclaim with the manager’s wife Nuria Cunillera beside him 

Xavi then ceremoniously signed his contract on a table brought onto the pitch

Xavi then ceremoniously signed his contract on a table brought onto the pitch 

Xavi embraced Laporta and evidently the pair have a strong relationship, although no doubt that could be tested in the coming months as they club try to rebuild. 

Laporta then spoke to the crowd, saying: ‘Welcome Xavi and your family, welcome back home, this is a special moment for everyone.’

His words were almost drowned out by the noise created by the estimated 10,000 fans, who were serenading their new boss.  

Xavi posed with a shirt for photos and appeared to be amazed at the warm reception

Xavi posed with a shirt for photos and appeared to be amazed at the warm reception

source: dailymail.co.uk